
7 minute read
Young Entrepreneurs
If you’ve recently called out a plumber or attended a local yoga class, you may have noticed that Samford is home to a range of young entrepreneurs who have taken a chance on themselves and their ideas to start their own business. Over the next few weeks, we’re taking the opportunity to find out how some of our young locals are forging their own way in and around the Valley.
Rachel James | Grounded Wellness Company
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the last seven years and the opportunity came up for me to jump both feet into my own business and I decided to take it,” Rachel said.
“The timing felt right for me to begin to practice in a way that aligned with who I was as a person and to create a business around my values. It feels great working for myself and building something that I am putting my heart and soul into.”
Rachel’s clients often tell her they feel like they’re floating out of the room after one of her sessions, and even find her deep tissue techniques relaxing.
“I am so grateful and fortunate for the clients who come to see me. They are so supportive and so far they have said that they love the clinic space I have created. They have shared with me that they think I look very happy and they enjoy seeing me grow,” Rachel said.

Once Rachel completes her degree, Grounded Wellness Co will also offer acupuncture services as well as massage therapy.
More information on Grounded Wellness Company can be found at: groundedwellnessco.com
Tanya Hall
FRIDAY’S AT THE SCHUB KEEPING WARM
Combing years of practical experience in massage therapy with further study, Rachel James took the chance to branch out on her own, starting Grounded Wellness Company within the Samford Chiropractic Centre. Using various techniques to help patients, Rachel takes a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, addressing various contributing factors to a person’s pain.
Prior to opening Grounded Wellness Company, Rachel worked in the massage therapy industry for seven years, where she learned as much as she could from other workplaces and their owners. During that time she also studied multiple courses and is currently working towards a Bachelor of Health Science Degree in Acupuncture.

“I decided to start my own business as I had accumulated a lot of knowledge over
“I am very content with how Grounded Wellness Co. is growing, and I intend to continue practicing where I am. For the distant future, I plan to complete a few other courses in order to continue to expand my knowledge and to be able to provide a wider range of services,” Rachel said.
For anyone else feeling inspired to take a chance on their own business, Rachel only has words of support.
“I would love to encourage anyone who is thinking of taking the leap into business ownership to do it! It is very important to have a great support network around you who you can lean on and a belief in yourself; it is through trying that we learn what we want or don’t want. As long as you stay true to yourself, you will create something beautiful for yourself and others and that is what we need more of in the world.”
A huge thank you to the nimble-fingered knitters and crocheters of the SCHUB’s Crafting Kindness group and the lovely ladies of Lions Charity Craft Creators who together filled three large boxes and four bags with good quality warm clothes, scarves, beanies, wraps, blankets, pyjamas and handwarmers which were delivered to Caboolture Community Care in Caboolture Neighbourhood Centre recently. The demand for warm things has escalated due to the increasing number of displaced folk in our region. The contributions from Samford are greatly appreciated.
On Friday 14 July, Crafting Kindness is meeting again at the SCHUB if you would like to join us. Our object is to create warm things and other necessities for living in tents and cars.
On 21st July, we are exercising our brains with entertaining puzzles. Very small prizes will be given for those who can solve them.
On 28th July, Jenni will lead our discussion at the Good Stuff Ideas Forum.
At each Friday gathering starting at 2.00pm for a cuppa and a chat, with activities starting at 3pm, we ask for a $2.00 donation which covers afternoon tea and rental. All welcome.
Julie Martin
Image: Howie R of Unsplash
Samford Village Vets Animal Hospital: A Journey of Passion and Compassionate Care
The story of Samford Village Vets Animal Hospital begins in 2003, when two veterinary students, Erin and Daniel, embarked on a friendship that grew into love. Their shared sense of humour and passion for animals laid the foundation for their veterinary careers and a commitment to providing exceptional care.
After graduating, Erin and Daniel began their veterinary journey at Samford, working under the mentorship of the esteemed veterinarian Brian Sheehan. Erin’s path led her to specialise in small animals, particularly in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, with a focus on cruciate ligament repair. Meanwhile, Daniel developed a keen interest in small animal internal medicine, diagnostic imaging and emergency care, honing skills in diagnosing complex cases and managing highly anxious clients.
Based on their diverse experiences in both private practice and large corporate vet settings, the duo formed a philosophy centred on integrity and compassion. Their mission is to provide judgment-free and personalised veterinary care, offering a range of options tailored to each patient’s specific needs. They emphasise preventative care, including tick and flea prevention, heartworm management, vaccinations and regular diagnostics, to ensure the well-being of pets throughout their lives.


As a startup business, Samford Village Vets Animal Hospital focuses on treating small animals but remains open to expanding their services based on demand and available resources. While they don’t provide afterhours care, they accept emergencies during their weekday and Saturday opening hours. The team aims to foster a strong bond with both pets and their owners, reuniting families with their beloved companions after illness or injury. Their commitment to kindness, compassion and integrity, aims to rejuvenate the veterinary industry by providing exceptional service to the Samford community.
Samford Village Vets Animal Hospital is poised to become a trusted destination for pet owners in the Samford area, offering top-notch veterinary care, specialising in surgery, internal medicine, diagnostics, and emergency services - all delivered with a heartfelt dedication to the well-being of pets and their families. Located in Station Street, you can book now on 3521 3422.
Government Impersonation Scams
Be wary of calls, emails or SMS claiming to be from an Australian government agency that asks you to urgently update personal information, claim a refund or make a payment. This could be a scam.
Government impersonation scams are increasingly common, and can be delivered by phone, email or SMS. Callers may threaten to cancel your services or detain you if you don’t make payments or provide personal details.
Emails and SMS might ask you to click on links to receive a refund, submit tax information or view correspondence. These scams can appear trustworthy, with government logos and genuine contact details to trick you into believing they are real.

Common impersonations include MyGov, the Australian Tax Office (ATO), the Department of Home Affairs, or the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

If you receive a call or message claiming to be from the Australian government requesting personal information, offering a refund or asking you to make an urgent payment, visit their website or contact them on their publicly listed number to validate the request.
• Do not rely on the contact information provided by callers or in emails and SMS.

• Do not provide your personal information or make payments to callers over the phone.
• Do not click on any links in emails or SMS. These may be phishing scams designed to steal your personal or financial details.

Scammers target everyone. We encourage Australians to discuss how to identify scams with friends and family. Learn more about how to protect yourself and those close to you on the ACMA website and make a report to Scamwatch. If you’re concerned that your identity has been compromised or you’ve been a victim of a scam, contact your bank immediately and call IDCARE on 1800 595 160.
Original article published on ACMA website 8/06/23. Further information www.acma.gov.au
Remembering Kevin Hickey
Special event days held at the Samford Museum like Australia Day, feature some aspects of our local history. For several years prior to 2010, a crowd favourite was the construction of a panel of post and rail fencing by Museum members, which was auctioned on completion. None other than member Kevin Hickey was able to excite the crowd into spirited bidding before ‘knocking it down’ at a good price to the highest bidder.

Kevin also used his auctioneering talents at the ‘Young for Old’ evenings prior to 2008. ‘Young for Old’ was the name given to a group of younger Samford residents who wished to support Samford Museum’s projects. They did this by organising several annual, social fundraising evenings in the Museum grounds. Numerous items were donated by generous businesses and auctioned by Kevin Hickey.
Margaret Hickey wrote in Samford Reminiscences Vol. 3, published 1995, of the highs, lows and changes Kevin, she and the family experienced, since moving their herd of 90 stud Friesians from Spicer’s Gap to a property at Bunya (now Draper) which they named Limerick, in September 1964.
In February 1974, Kevin and Margaret sold their milking herd and continued rearing Friesian heifers to sell on point of calving. Photos and details of two of Kevin’s multi award winning cows are included in Samford Reminiscences Vol. 4 (pictorial) published 1999.
Thank you Kevin for your support in many ways, especially bringing enjoyment to visitors in your unique way - auctioneering.
Copies of the 6 volumes of Samford Reminiscences are available for reading or purchase at Samford Museum, Wednesdays and Sundays 10am-4pm. Admission Adults $5; Children $1.
The Samford District Historical Museum Society Inc. is self-funded and operated by volunteers. Please visit our display at Samford Show to find out more on how to become a member and to support our multi-draw raffle. Gotta be in it to win it!
Enquiries info@samfordmuseum.com.au
Ph 3289 2743 or President Geoff 0417 610 983.
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Dermatologist
Dr Lena von Schuckmann
BSc, MBBS, MPH, PhD, FRACGP, FACD
Dr Lena von Schuckmann is a QLD-trained Dermatologist and Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists.

She specialises in all aspects of medical dermatology for adults and children.
Saturday appointments available
Now accepting male and female patients of all ages